The Bell Qualifier full-face helmet is a lightweight model that’s made out of high-quality materials that are designed to provide you with the type of protection you need out on the road. For a full-face helmet, this model offers a surprisingly sleek design that will reduce lifting, even at top speeds.
The variety of sizes and color options to choose from will make it easy for you to find the right size and style that you’ve been searching for. If you’ve been a fan of Bell for years, then you’ll appreciate the helmet’s new design, the added safety features, and the better than average ventilation system that will work to keep you comfortable and dry, even when you’re riding around in high temperatures.
Our Verdict: Bell is one of those companies that most riders are familiar with. Over the years, they have produced some of the best-selling models on the market and have a reputation for durability and comfort. This particular model scored well due to the lightweight design, sizing options, built-in visor, impact protection technology, and the extensive ventilation system that’s designed to keep you cool and dry when you’re riding around in hot weather.
The anti-fog coating on the visor will prevent the visor from fogging up when you’re riding in humid climates. The only real drawbacks to the design involves the amount of wind noise you’re bound to experience, due to the ventilation system.
Additionally, the fact that this helmet only comes with a clear visor will be a drawback for riders who don’t normally wear sunglasses and are in search of a helmet that can provide protection from bright light conditions.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
This model comes equipped with a clear shield, allowing you to protect your eyes and nose from flying debris, dirt, sand, and bugs. The model’s lightweight construction is due to the polycarbonate composite shell that’s very aerodynamic. The variety of size options to choose from will allow you to choose the perfect fit, so you can enjoy riding in total comfort.
This model is DOT approved, so you know you’re riding around wearing a helmet that meets or exceeds safety standards. This model is considered one of Bell’s leading helmets to date, so reviewing it and learning more about how it works and the safety features it offers was exciting.
Our Rating:
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Reasonably priced
- Top ventilation system
- DOT approved
- Multi-directional impact protection system
Visor
Aside from the type of safety tech used, the lens is one of the helmet’s best features. Considering the price point, a visor of this quality is a surprise. The visor may not be suitable for bright light conditions since it’s clear, but the design of the helmet is very forgiving, so you can wear sunglasses behind the visor.
The thick visor does come equipped with anti-fog coating, so it won’t fog up in humid conditions. Additionally, the clear visor is the perfect choice for night riding, but it also does an excellent job of protecting the face, eyes, and nose from flying debris, dust, dirt, sand, bugs, and more.
Safety
If you’re shopping for a top motorcycle helmet, then a high safety rating is very important. This model is DOT certified, so it’s legal for use in the US. It’s also ECE certified, so it’s legal for use anywhere in the world.
The helmet itself underwent extensive testing, so you know it’s designed to easily handle an impact. Considering this is a full-face helmet, you already know it offers better than average protection upon impact, however, the manufacturer has gone above and beyond when it came to testing and creating a helmet that would provide the best protection on the road.
Multi-Directional Impact Protection System
This system will allow the interior lining, with its shock-absorbing power, to move independently of the outer shell. The lining is designed to minimize any type of rotational force that impacts the helmet during an accident, right before it’s transmitted to the neck and the head.
The rotational force can actually twist the skull, which can result in serious brain and neck injuries. This type of extra protection is exactly what makes Bell one of the best motorcycle helmet brands on earth.
Shell Size
This model is available in four shell size options, so you should pay close attention to the manufacturer’s sizing chart in order to determine which size will work the best for you and your head size and shape.
Noise
The ventilation system can keep riders cooler, but considering the manufacturer went all out, in an attempt to keep the rider cool, you’ll be disappointed to learn that the helmet is also pretty noisy. Because of this, so you can expect to experience plenty of wind noise when you’re on the freeway or traveling at a higher speed.
Breathability
This model features a variety of vents that have been installed all throughout the helmet. Since this is a full-face model, which is notorious for causing the wearer to sweat, you’ll definitely appreciate this level of airflow, which is designed to keep you dry, cool, and comfortable while you ride.
Aside from the vents on the shell of the helmet, there are also some vents located in the chin bar area. These vents can be operated via a switch. In total, you’ll find four vents that are located right above the brow area and visor, and two crown vents that can be independently opened via a slider that’s located behind each of these vents.
On the rear of the helmet, you’ll find four vents that cannot be closed and will remain open at all times. Ventilation is important to most riders, especially those who live in a hotter climate. This type of ventilation will work to keep you nice and cool in humid and hot weather conditions.
Lining
The interior liner is removable, washable, and very comfortable. It’s made out of moisture-wicking material that’s designed to pull the moisture away from your skin to keep you cool, prevent sweat from running in your eyes, and to prevent rashes and general irritation. Since the material is removable, you can toss the padding in the wash to prevent any odors or mold growth.
Performance
This model earned top marks in a variety of areas, especially in terms of fit and durability. The extensive ventilation system also earned the helmet big points, however, the increased number of vents in the helmet also has a negative impact on wind noise, so you can expect to deal with that issue when you’re riding on the freeway.
The anti-fog treatment on the clear visor allows you to see clearly at night and when you’re riding in humid conditions, however, the fact that the helmet comes with a single visor is a drawback for those who need eye protection in bright light conditions.
This visor is upgradable, so if you want to purchase a smoky visor for the helmet, you can. To learn more, read my guide on how to select the right visor for your motorcycle helmet.
The helmet’s lightweight design allows you to use this helmet for longer trips across the country and reduces user fatigue. The different sizing options will allow you to enjoy a more custom fit, not to mention top of the line protection against injuries upon impact.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Anti-fog coating on visor
- Several colors and sizes to choose from
- Excellent ventilation system
- Reasonable price
- Multi-directional impact protection system
Cons
- Comes with a clear visor only
- Loud wind noise
Bell Versus ILM Full Face Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet
The competing full-face helmet comes equipped with a couple of visors, one for day riding and the other for night riding. Like this model from Bell, the competing model is very aerodynamic, comes with a variety of sizes to choose from, and features a quick-release clasp that makes it easier to take the helmet off or put it on.
However, the ILM helmet features a more aerodynamic design that works to specifically reduce drag and wind noise, which makes it a better choice for some riders. The ILM is also priced more affordably, so it’s a better option for the rider on a budget in search of an affordable full-face helmet that’s versatile, durable, and designed to take a beating.
Conclusion and Rating
Our Rating:
